Randall, a senior who transferred from North Carolina-Greensboro before this season, was 7 of 12 from the field, including two 3-pointers, and 8 of 9 from the line. John Simons added 12 points and Chris Fowler had 11 for the Chippewas (4-3), who led by as many as 20 in the first half.

The Purple Eagles (2-5) erased that lead after halftime, and T.J. Cline's tip-in with 7 minutes to play gave Niagara its first lead, 50-49. Central Michigan retook the lead for good on Fowler's two free throws with 1:32 left, and the Chippewas made just enough foul shots in the final minute to secure the victory.